Hirvonen: “Loeb was hesitant, it showed”

As he states on his blog, the rally of Sweden was in every way a success for Mikko Hirvonen who enters this 2010 season more determined than ever to win his first world crown.

“During all our tests we worked a lot on the tires to know when to change tires. Past years, Sébastien Loeb won his titles largely thanks to judicious choices. This weekend he hesitated and it showed.

Before the start of the season, I analyzed all the reasons why it didn't work in this or that race last year. In Norway, for example, I procrastinated for a long time before changing the settings of my car. Here in Sweden, I did not hesitate to change on Friday because I was not fully satisfied.
In Cyprus, I did not choose the right strategy. This time we calculated how long the tires could last, and thus took an option on the final victory. To win you have to know how to take risks and be courageous.

Loeb stopped attacking from the second special on Sunday. It was a real surprise, he?s not the type to give up. His decision was logical in his eyes, but for me it was a strong signal. Although he is a six-time world champion, he can have doubts.

Before the season started, there was a lot of talk about Ford's decision to make me number one. But that?s irrelevant. To win the championship I must continue to be consistent and score big points in all rounds.
What is certain is that sometimes tactics actually play a role, particularly in deciding who will open the road on Saturday or Sunday. In this case I might get a helping hand from Jari-Matti. We may use these methods at the next round in Mexico. I don?t like it but it?s sometimes necessary.
It makes me smile slightly when I hear Olivier Quesnel declare that his two official drivers are on an equal footing this season.

The performances of the Ford and the Citroën are very close this year. Citroën will surely be at its advantage on the asphalt but should really be good on the dirt.
In Mexico, Citroën may have a slight advantage over us.
With altitude, there is less air entering the engine, which affects engine performance. Citroën should therefore be more comfortable than us, their engine running faster, ours having more torque. »

At the start of 2010, everything is smiling on Mikko Hirvonen, winner of the Monte Carlo then the Swedish rally, and the Finn intends to continue his momentum from the next event WRC in Mexico from March 5 to 7.

Find your magazine on newsstands today including a complete report of the Swedish rally.